Domestic violence increases 25% during England World Cup games

21 extra incidents reported in Kent after England's loss to Italy last weekend

Christopher Hooton
Friday 20 June 2014 00:08 BST
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Women protest domestic violence in Brazil
Women protest domestic violence in Brazil

The National Centre for Domestic Violence is trying to raise awareness about domestic violence during the World Cup, after it emerged that instances increased by 25% after England Games at the 2010 tournament.

Ahead of England's Group D match with Uruguay tonight, the centre launched a new advert that sees a woman anxiously waiting in the kitchen as the sound of football commentary bleeds from the living room, before the TV set is abruptly switched off.

"Studies conducted by the National Centre for Domestic Violence, ACPO and the BBC revealed that during the 2010 World Cup cases of domestic violence rose by an average of 25% after an England match, win or lose," it wrote alongside the video.

"Show your support against domestic violence this World Cup and let's #beatDV."

While these stats relate to 2010, police in Kent reported yesterday that officers responded to 21 extra incidents in the county on Saturday and Sunday, compared with the previous weekend, as England lost 2-1 to Italy in its first game of this year's tournament.

"Football doesn't cause domestic abuse, but it can certainly be a factor that can compound it within certain relationships," Kent Police Detective Chief Inspector Andy Pritchard told the BBC.

"We predicted that there would be an increase in domestic incidents during the tournament and we want people to report these incidents to us, and to be confident about doing so."

If you've experienced the recent use or threat of physical violence, call the NCVDV on 0844 8044 999.

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